Moved in and at Work

Certain transcription factors have an unusual ability to move themselves into cells other than those in which they were synthesized. Do these peripatetic factors actually find relevant gene targets in their adopted homes? Sessions et al. now construct mosaic plants to analyze the functions of mobile transcription factors. One transcription factor important in control of flower development not only moves but acts directly on target genes in other cells. Such sharing of regulatory molecules may serve to keep a group of cells acting in concert.